Bikers from all over Ireland and the UK descended on Derry today for the funeral of one of their most respected members.

Father-of-three Shaun Kelly, 45, suffered a heart attack and died on Monday at Altnagelvin Hospital.

He was a prominent member of the Exiles Riding Club in Derry - and was buried today in his beloved club’s uniform including biker boots and leathers.

Over 300 leather-clad bikers escorted their ‘brother’s’ coffin from his home in the Shantallow area of the city to St Brigid’s Chapel and then onto the City Cemetery for burial in one of the biggest biker funerals the north has ever seen.

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Motorcycles of all shapes and sizes – from Harley Davidson and Triumphs to scooters – fell in behind the coffin as it wound its way towards the cemetery. As is traditional in biker funerals, the riders revved their bikes continuously along the procession as a mark of respect to their fallen brother.

Shaun’s nephew, Gavin, led the cavalcade on his uncle’s distinctive tricycle motorbike.

Shaun’s daughter Dearbhla, 18, said her mother Sharon and sisters Caitlin and Caoimhe were deeply comforted by the support of hundreds of his biker brothers.

She added: “We are heartbroken. But the support from my family, friends and biker community is overwhelming.

Shaun on his bike

“The bikers have been amazing. Everyone single one of them are like brothers to my Daddy and the escort they provided was one of the most poignant moments I have ever experienced. It made me feel proud of my father. The biker community have shown themselves yet again to be so kind, caring and compassionate.”

Dearbhla’s father - branded a ‘True Knight of the Road’ in the city for his work with fundraising group Bikers For Charity - was as generous and caring in death as he was in life, donating his organs and saving the lives of three people.

Dearbhla said: “At the moment we don’t know who has received his organs but we do know three people have been helped.

“This makes us feel very proud of my father’s final gift of charity, as he was known to be a very charitable, caring person. Our family wish the recipients the best of the luck and hope that it has given them hope for their future. This experience has given comfort to my family and has led to a surge of people to sign up for the donor registration.”